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Latest Dive News

Saint George's Lodge Closes July 1
March 30, 2004

For nearly three decades, arguably the best guide and instructor in
the Caribbean has been Fred Good in Belize. He writes: "Since so
many of our guests first learned of Saint George's through Undercurrent
it seemed fitting that we would express our thanks through this publication.
Saint George's Lodge started business in 1977. In 1992, we were the
first resort in this area to offer Nitrox training, and in 1994 we published
Nitrox dive tables that are also available on the web site, www.gooddiving.com.
We have enjoyed our reputation as a resort that offers far deeper diving
than is available at most Caribbean resorts. We started providing multi-level
diving to our guests on first opening our doors. We are especially proud
of our safety record ... no diving accidents ever! And now, while we
are still well ahead of the game, it is time for us to call it quits.
We would like to thank all of you who dove with us over the past 27
years. A number of you knew that we were considering such a move, and
many were kind enough to ask that, when this decision had been made,
we let them know so that they might come visit "one last time."
We would be delighted to see you again before we close. Thank you for
your support. You have been delightful guests." fred@gooddiving.com

Computer Problems
March 28, 2004

Undercurrent is researching a story on computer problems,
repair hassles, and replacement issues. If you have had any difficulties
with your dive computer, please e-mail me the details. BenDavison@aol.com

Young Divers Contest
March 31, 2004

Young divers can get a chance to win a visit to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration's undersea laboratory/habitat, Aquarius,
by entering a NOAA-sponsored writing contest. In Aquarius, scientists
can live and work for about two weeks without coming up to the surface.
The contest is open to students in eighth through 12th grades and requires
an essay of 1,000 words or less on "I want to live for two weeks
underwater in Aquarius because ... " The prize is a scuba dive
visit to Aquarius and a 60-minute tour of the underwater habitat for
the winner, parents, and teacher. Entry deadline is April 9, 2004. Details
at www.uncw.edu/aquarius.

New Concern for Tourist Diving Cenotes?
March 30, 2004

Mexico expelled six rescued cave explorers -- four British military
personnel and two civilians -- after officials determined they had violated
their tourist visas. An official said that, while the team members stated
they were here as tourists, they "carried out activities of exploration,
scientific study, and training.'' The government accused the team of
making false statements when applying for tourist visas. The team drew
attention when its planned three-day underground expedition turned into
eight days of entrapment as floodwaters fed by heavy rain blocked the
entrance of the cave. Mexico spends millions of dollars each year to
promote tourism and officially encourages adventure sports including
cave diving on the Yucatan peninsula. However, the Associated Press
reports that it is unclear whether cavers, scuba divers, bird-watchers
or amateur astronomers -- all of whom sometimes explore or make scientific
observations -- will now be required to obtain special visas or to give
special notice to Mexican authorities.

No Diving Today
March 26, 2004

If you were in Tahiti on Friday, April 2, no one would take you diving
because the 24 dive operators there are taking the day off to protest
the effects of shark fishing, Tahiti Presse reports. The group's president,
Didier Alpini, said the diving clubs are concerned with the recent development
of organized shark fishing for export. He claimed that in recent months
shark fishing had intensified as the fins are shipped to Asian countries
to make shark fin soup. ... So get there before the sharks are gone
and take advantage of these deals. Air Tahiti Nui has a Special through
May 31 from $799, including roundtrip from L.A., five nights on Moorea
at Hotel Kaveka in a bungalow, inter-island travel via high-speed ferry
from Papeete to the island and back. Contact them at www.airtahitinui-usa.com
... Go-Today has a similar deal for $799, but for a deluxe hotel in
Papeete, and includes roundtrip air, four nights at the Sofitel Maeva
Beach. Agency has other deals to Tahiti & Moorea ranging from $1,199
to $1,999. Contact them at www.go-today.com